New Delhi: Giving a huge relief to the general public, the State Election Commission on Monday asked the candidates contesting Municipal Corporation of Delhi polls not to deface any public property by sticking posters and banners. The election body warned that strict action would be taken against the violators.

Delhi goes to the MCD elections on April 15. For which over 2500 candidates are trying their luck for 272 seats. The BJP and the Congress are in straight fight on most of the seats. The BSP, however, is trying to make the contest three-cornered. Interestingly, Mayawati-led party won 17 seats in 2007 MCD polls.

State Election Commissioner Rakesh Mehta said punitive action would be taken if candidates are found defacing public or private properties by putting up banners, hoardings or writing by ink or any other material.

Mehta said even erecting posters and banners on trees would invite action under provisions of the Delhi Prevention of Defacement of Property Act 2009. The Act has provision of upto one year imprisonment and a fine of Rs 50,000 against the offenders.

Elections for the three new municipalities would be held on April 15.The Commission has already ordered setting up of a 'poster removal squad' for each of the 12 MCD zone consisting of police and senior official of local administration. All the squads are being provided with required equipment and manpower to remove posters.

Mehta said the commission has decided to allow putting up of one party flag at the residence of the candidate as well as at the temporary election offices of the candidates which should not exceed five per candidate.

"Party flag can also be put up on the three vehicles which are permitted for campaigning by each candidate. However, the size of the flag on vehicles should only be one-and-half feet by one feet," he said.